The Lax Kw'alaams Wap Suwilaawksa School is a vibrant K–12 learning community that integrates academic excellence with Tsimshian culture, language, and traditions. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to create meaningful, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences that honour the values and aspirations of the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation. We are seeking a passionate, visionary, and collaborative Superintendent to join our leadership team in September 2026.This role provides strategic educational leadership and oversees the direction, administration, and continuous improvement of the school's educational programs. Working closely with Elders, families, staff, the school Principal, the CAO, and community members, the Superintendent ensures programs reflect the culture, language, values, and aspirations of the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation while meeting or exceeding British Columbia provincial standards. The successful candidate will champion student success by fostering culturally grounded, student-centered learning environments and will demonstrate a strong commitment to Indigenous education, reconciliation, and community-driven educational excellence.ResponsibilitiesGeneralStudent Success and Well-BeingEstablish a culture where student well-being, belonging, safety, and success are foundationalLead initiatives that improve literacy, numeracy, graduation rates, attendance, and student engagementSupport trauma-informed, culturally safe, and inclusive educational practicesExpand opportunities in trades, technology, post-secondary preparation, athletics, fine arts, and experiential learningLead a sustained community-engaged approach to addressing chronic attendance challenges through trust-building, culturally grounded strategies, and consistent communicationEducational LeadershipDevelop and implement a long-term educational vision aligned with the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation Strategic PlanLead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance student achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and post-secondary transitionsFoster innovation in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and culturally responsive teaching practicesEnsure educational programming integrates Ts'msyen language, history, culture, land-based learning, and Indigenous knowledge systemsPromote high expectations for student learning while recognizing diverse learning needsAssist in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of school policies and procedures to support effective governance, student success, and organizational excellence.Support clearly defined boundaries between Band governance, Band Administration, and education operations to strengthen accountability and effective decision-makingCollaborate with the Education committee to strengthen independent educational governance while maintaining positive working relationshipsStrategic Planning and GovernanceAdvise the CAO on educational priorities, legislation, and strategic initiativesDevelop multi-year education plans, annual operational plans, and measurable performance indicatorsEnsure compliance with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), First Nations Schools Association (FNSA), British Columbia Ministry of Education requirements, and applicable legislationPrepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and funding agenciesLeadership of StaffProvide strong leadership to stabilize staffing and support a healthy, collaborative workplace cultureRecruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate managers, principals, teachers, and support staffBuild a positive organizational culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and respectSupport professional learning focused on First Nation's pedagogy, instructional excellence, leadership development, and cultural competencyPromote staff wellness and retention,



particularly within a rural and remote settingProvide effective leadership in resolving internal disputes and managing union-related mattersAddress employee grievances in a timely and confidential manner, working collaboratively with Human Resources and the CAO to facilitate appropriate resolution in accordance with the Collective Agreement, organizational policies and applicable legislationConduct annual performance evaluations for school administration (Principal and Vice-Principal). Review the completed evaluations for all other school staff to ensure consistency, fairness, constructive feedback, transparent professional growth goals, and alignment with organizational expectations, supporting ongoing professional development to promote individual and organizational excellenceLead with a trauma-informed approach that recognizes historical, emotional, and relational factors influencing the workplaceLanguage and Cultural RevitalizationWork closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, hereditary leadership, and community members to strengthen Ts'msyen language revitalization throughout the schoolSupport land-based education and culturally authentic programmingEnsure the community's ways of knowing, being, and doing are embedded throughout school operations and curriculumHonour community protocols, traditions, and cultural teachings in educational leadershipCommunity EngagementBuild strong, respectful relationships with students, families, Elders, community organizations, and partner agenciesMaintain regular communication with the community regarding educational prioritiesEncourage meaningful family and community participation in school lifeRepresent the Nation in regional, provincial, and national education initiatives Financial and Operational LeadershipLead the development and management of the annual education budgetEnsure responsible stewardship of financial resources and funding agreementsIdentify new funding opportunities and partnerships that support educational innovationOversee facilities planning, technology integration, transportation, and operational effectivenessEnsure accurate and comprehensive records are maintained to support the effective and efficient operation of the school, including preparation for annual audits, responding to Finance Department requests, and providing timely information to the CAO as required.Staff Leave and Holiday Framework ReviewReview, analyze, and assess the current staff leave and holiday structure to ensure transparency, fairness, and alignment with educational best practices. Provide recommendations to the CAO on a clear, equitable framework that supports staff well-being and prevents unintended impactsPartnershipsDevelop collaborative relationships withFirst Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC)First Nations Schools Association (FNSA)Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child CareNorthwest post-secondary institutionsLocal school districtsIndigenous organizationsCommunity health and social service agenciesNote: Perform all other duties as assigned and within the scope of the positionEducationMaster's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Indigenous Education, or a related fieldValid British Columbia Teaching Certificate or eligibility for certificationSuperintendent Leadership Qualification Program (or willingness to obtain is considered an asset)ExperienceMinimum of 7 years of progressive experience in educational leadership rolesSignificant experience serving as a Principal and/or district-level educational leaderDemonstrated success in improving student achievement, instructional practices,



and organizational effectivenessExperience working collaboratively with First Nations communities and Indigenous education organizationsProven experience managing complex budgets, strategic planning initiatives, human resources, and educational governance responsibilitiesDemonstrated ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, families, Elders, and community partners through collaborative and culturally responsive leadershipCompetencyDeep understanding of First Nations education, history, culture, language, reconciliation, and community-based learning approachesKnowledge of First Nations governance structures, community engagement practices, and relationship-building principlesStrong understanding of British Columbia curriculum, assessment practices, and educational standardsKnowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and British Columbia's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).Demonstrated experience implementing culturally responsive, inclusive, and student-centred educational practicesStrong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and management skillsExceptional communication, collaboration, relationship-building, and conflict resolution abilitiesProven financial, operational, and resource management expertiseCommitment to continuous improvement through evidence-informed decision-making and a focus on student successCollaborative and servant leader who inspires trust, builds capacity, and supports a shared vision for student successRespectful of First Nations governance, cultural protocols, traditions, and the values and aspirations of the Lax Kw'alaams communityA relationship builder who demonstrates integrity, transparency, humility, and a commitment to meaningful engagement with students, staff, families, Elders, and community membersAdaptable and resilient, with the ability to work effectively within a rural community environmentPassionate about student success, lifelong learning, and creating equitable opportunities for all learners to thriveCommitted to supporting staff growth, professional development, and continuous organizational improvementPhysical Demands and Working EnvironmentPhysical DemandAbility to work effectively in an office and school environment, including extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and attending meetingsAbility to manage a varied workload, including attending evening events, community gatherings, school activities, ceremonies, and cultural activities that support meaningful engagement with students, families, staff, Elders, and the Lax Kw'alaams community.Mental DemandsAbility to maintain focus, organization, and effective decision-making while managing competing priorities and time-sensitive responsibilitiesMust be prepared to deal with emergencies and stressful situations at any timeCondition of EmploymentYou will adhere to the Lax Kw'alaams Band Code of Conduct, Code of Confidentiality, Social Media Policy and any other Policies in the Human Resource ManualFollow all guidelines harmoniously and cooperatively, creating a team approach in their duties for the Band's future successAcceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector SearchValid Driver's License (Class 5)Classification/Pay Scale$145,000 to $160,000 annuallyYou can expect a supportive work environment along with a comprehensive total compensation package. This includes a competitive salary, extended health and dental benefits, and a pension plan with contributions of up to 5%, matched by the employerMoving Allowance: Up to $5,000 will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts, based on the actual amount spent** Preference will be given to Lax Kw'alaams Band Members or qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. However, we invite all qualified individuals to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Superintendent (Full-Time) | Lax Kw'Alaams Band
🏢 Lax Kw'alaams
📍 Lax Kw'alaams